London: Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour incl walking tours

If you’re dreaming of seeing London sparkle during the holiday season, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour promises to deliver a magical picture of the city decked out in festive lights. While it’s a popular choice for those wanting a quick, visually stunning overview of London’s Christmas displays, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking. From the comfort of a double-decker bus, you’ll glide past some of the most iconic spots, catching the glow of twinkling lights, and listening to guided stories that bring the city’s holiday spirit alive.

What we like about this tour is the convenience of seeing multiple famous locations in just an hour and the multilingual audio commentary, which makes it accessible to a diverse group of travelers. Plus, the top-deck seating means you get the best views and the chance to photograph these sparkling scenes without obstruction. On the flip side, the price point of around $45.80 per person is quite reasonable, especially given the inclusion of Wi-Fi and access to a dedicated app and playlist, adding some fun digital extras to the experience.

However, one potential drawback is the traffic — like many city sightseeing tours, you might find yourself stuck in jams, which could cut into your sightseeing time and make the journey less smooth. Not everyone loves a crowded bus, especially if you’re expecting a quiet, relaxed glide through the holiday lights. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy guided experiences with a social, group vibe, and who are okay with a busy, sometimes congested city route.

If you’re looking for a cheerful, visual introduction to London’s Christmas atmosphere, this tour could be perfect. It’s especially good if you’re after quick highlights, some holiday joy, and are comfortable with guided commentary. But if you’re after a more intimate or leisurely experience, it’s worth considering other options or layering this with more personalized exploration.

Key Points

• Ideal for quick festive sightseeing of London’s top Christmas displays in a fun, accessible format
• Live guides and audio commentary in 10 languages help make the tour informative and engaging
• Top-deck bus seating offers fantastic views and great photo opportunities
• Traffic delays can impact the experience, with potential long waits in jams
• Affordable price point with included Wi-Fi and digital extras adds value
• Limited walking means this is mostly a bus ride, so consider mobility needs

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deeper Look at the Tour

What the Tour Offers

This one-hour bus tour is designed as a festive highlight reel of London’s Christmas lights, perfect for those who want a snapshot of the city’s holiday charm without much fuss. Starting from Coventry Street in central London, the tour takes you on a loop past some of the most iconic locations decorated in their Christmas finery. You’ll see the glittering Regent Street, the bustling Piccadilly Circus, and the lively Trafalgar Square — all decked out in their seasonal best.

The guided commentary is in English, but audio guides are available in 10 languages, making this accessible to international visitors. The live guides are usually knowledgeable, sharing stories of London’s holiday traditions and landmarks that add context to the sparkling sights. Plus, you can access the Tootbus app and soundtrack, which helps set the holiday mood with festive tunes.

The Stops and What You’ll See

• Start at Coventry Street: The starting point is close to Piccadilly Circus, a hub of bright lights and bustling energy. From here, the tour kicks off with a quick overview before the drive begins.

• Trafalgar Square: A must-see during Christmas, the square hosts the iconic Christmas tree donated by Norway and often features seasonal decorations and sometimes festive markets.

• Regent Street: Known for its beautifully decorated shopfronts and soaring Christmas lights, Regent Street is arguably London’s most Instagram-worthy spot during the holiday season.

• Piccadilly Circus: With its huge digital billboards and lively atmosphere, it’s a great photo op under the glow of holiday lights.

• Soho and Oxford Street: These lively neighborhoods are full of shops, restaurants, and decorations, giving you a taste of the city’s festive shopping scene.

• Marble Arch and Grosvenor Square: These historic sites are beautifully lit during Christmas and offer a more traditional, elegant vibe.

The tour ends back at the original starting point, making it a neat loop for a quick holiday adventure.

What’s the Experience Like?

Most travelers enjoy the visual spectacle of the Christmas lights from the bus’s top deck. The warmth of the group and the shared holiday cheer can make it feel festive and cozy. The Wi-Fi on board is useful if you want to share your photos instantly or look up more info about what you’re seeing.

However, some reviews point out that traffic jams are a common issue, especially in peak season. One reviewer, Audrey, shared that “we spent more time in traffic jams and are stuck in place for an hour,” which can make the experience less enjoyable if you’re expecting a smooth ride. The microphone noise from guides can also be problematic if you’re not close enough or if the audio equipment barely works, leading to missed stories and a frustrating experience for non-native English speakers.

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Is it Worth the Price?

At approximately $45.80 per person, the tour offers a decent value considering the included amenities: live guides, audio commentary in multiple languages, Wi-Fi, and a festive playlist. It’s a no-fuss way to get a snapshot of London’s Christmas decorations, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with a group. If you’re a fan of guided tours, the knowledgeable guides can really enhance the experience with interesting stories and insights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for families, groups of friends, or couples wanting a quick, festive introduction to London in December. If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and social outing with some holiday cheer, this will likely hit the mark. However, if you prefer more quiet, personalized experiences, or want to avoid crowded buses and traffic, you might find this tour less appealing.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour offers a lively, convenient way to see London’s most famous holiday displays. The guides and digital extras add layers of fun and information, making it a good choice for those who enjoy guided group experiences and festive atmospheres. That said, the traffic delays and occasional audio issues are worth considering if you’re seeking a smoother, more intimate outing.

If you’re okay with the hustle and bustle, and want a visual feast of London’s Christmas lighting in just an hour, this tour can give you a memorable snapshot of the city’s holiday spirit. Just remember, it’s primarily a bus ride, so if you’re after a more relaxed or in-depth exploration, you may want to supplement it with other activities.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 1 hour, and starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive for different mobility needs.

Are children allowed?
Children under 5 can travel for free if they sit on their parents’ lap, but consider the bus environment if traveling with young kids.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour begins at Coventry Street, so you’ll need to get there on your own.

What languages are available for audio guides?
Audio commentary is available in 10 languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. This tour is purely sightseeing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for a romantic date?
Absolutely — with beautiful lights and festive music, it can be quite a charming, romantic experience, especially from the top deck.

Would I recommend it?
If you’re after a fun, guided overview of London’s Christmas lights and don’t mind potential traffic, it’s a solid choice. Just keep expectations realistic about the traffic and the bus environment.

If you’re planning to see London’s holiday lights and want a guided, group experience with some digital extras, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour can be a cheerful, scenic way to do it. Just be prepared for some traffic and the lively bus atmosphere. It’s a quick, festive fix that captures the holiday spirit — great for making those memorable holiday photos and stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: